Mayor Frank Jackson announced Sunday he is joining a group of mayors focused on climate change, just days after Donald Trump announced the US would withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. "Columbia is encouraged by the partnerships forming with other cities, universities and businesses to support creating good jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy". On Friday, he posted a video on the city's website saying Trump's decision would not affect the city's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

"Columbia has always been a leader in sustainability", Treece said. "USA mayors have committed their cities to address climate change and will continue to do so". The ordinance, approved by voters, ramps up benchmark percentages to 25 percent by 2023 and 30 percent by 2029.

The city also has established goals to reduce carbon emissions.

Bowser, a Democrat, is one of dozens of mayors that have said they are committed to upholding the accord.

"The U.S. Conference of Mayors is a strong proponent of the need to address climate change and we support the Paris agreement, which positions the world's nations, including the United States, to be energy independent, self-reliant, and resilient", said Phoenix (AZ) Mayor Greg Stanton, Chair of USCM's Environment Committee. "Here in Portland, we've already undertaken, or are in the process of working toward, a number of sustainability efforts to ensure that our city has a climate-compatible future".